Building confidence and capability

When it comes to inspirational tradies, it’s hard to go past recently qualified General Engineering apprentice Billy Robinson.

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The Ashburton 37-year-old dropped out of school at just 14, after years spent struggling with numeracy and literacy. He tried his hand at a host of different jobs (from dairy and crop farming to gold mining and welding) and has navigated a mountain of obstacles, including dyslexia, ADHD, depression and anxiety.  Now, thanks to his determination and resilience - and the right support network - Billy has finally achieved his goal of gaining an apprenticeship. It’s been a long road, but good things take time.

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“I left school early and have worked my arse off all my life, but until now I’ve had nothing to show for it,” says Billy. “I’m a bit rough around the edges so no one ever gave me a chance. I always wanted to do an apprenticeship but in the past bosses just laughed at me.”

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That’s until he joined the team at Ashburton Engineering, where his experience and potential were highly valued.

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“When he first came here, well, Billy was Billy – he’s a real character,” laughs Ashburton Engineering supervisor Cameron Webster. “He knew what he was doing and he had all the skills on the work side of things – it was just that he’d never been given a chance to do an apprenticeship.”

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Initially doubtful about his ability to complete, Billy overcame his trepidation with ongoing support from his employer, his supervisor and Competenz Training Advisor Euan Main. Competenz arranged for Literacy Aotearoa tutor Lynley Eastwick to bring another layer of support, providing weekly one-on-one numeracy and literacy sessions throughout the apprenticeship. Together they made a formidable team with everybody working alongside Billy to provide the tools, encouragement and environment for him to thrive.

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“Without everyone’s support I wouldn’t be where I am today – I probably would have given up. Lynley was a lifesaver. I had literacy sessions with her every Friday for 1.5 – 2 hours each session, and she worked through the questions with me, and helped me with my maths and drawing. Euan was great too. He’s a really kind-hearted soul, and whenever I had an issue I could just ring him up at any time and he’d help me. My supervisor Cam was another good support – he’s done the same apprenticeship so he knew what I was going through.”

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Cam is the first to admit that an engineering apprenticeship can be challenging.

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“I did that same apprenticeship back in 2012, straight out of high school and it still wasn’t easy. But for Billy, being that bit older and also having learning difficulties, it was a bit more of a struggle.”

But Cam says Billy’s transformation – from being uncertain and self-conscious to confident, proud and motivated – has made all the hard work worth it.

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“Billy is a real inspiration. Now he’s one of the higher up guys here, and his leadership capabilities have grown significantly. He was always good with the young fellows, but since doing his apprenticeship he’s got better and better. Now you can leave him to it and he can organise his own jobs. He always had that ability on the work side, but now he can do the paperwork side of things too.”

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That means Billy is now the whole package, with more opportunities and a bright future.

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“You can’t beat experience, but if people see you also have that paperwork, it’s an added extra,” explains Cam. “It’s been a lot of work, but he has been able to do it with learner support. It just shows what can be done if you set your mind to something and have a bit of help.”

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It’s been a long time coming but Billy couldn’t be happier.

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“Completing my apprenticeship is a great feeling. The first person I rang to tell is my mum! And then I told my 12-year-old daughter, and she’s really proud of me too. This proves that no matter what your past is, if you put in enough effort, have the right mindset and the right support, you can achieve anything you want. Now that I’ve completed my apprenticeship, I can look back on all that I’ve achieved. Now, there’s one less thing holding me back!”

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A key to Billy’s success was the unwavering support he received from Competenz, Literacy Aotearoa and his employer, but as his Competenz Training Advisor Euan explains, ultimately it came down to Billy himself.

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“I’m incredibly proud of Billy,” says Euan.  “He did the hard work. He was determined to complete his training, and he stuck with the plan. At the start, he liked a beer, was disorganised and often ran himself down. Now, he’s a completely different man – confident, smiling, and looking forward with a big grin on his face. He now has plans for the future, and the confidence to go for them.”

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Seeing apprentices like Billy fulfil their potential is the best part of Euan’s job.

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“A training advisor cannot complete an apprentice’s journey without the incredible support of the wider Competenz team. From the e-assessors who marked Billy’s work, to the course administration team, learner support, and completions—everyone plays a vital role.

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“For me, working with learners and employers is a true privilege. Supporting and growing people, helping them unlock new opportunities and pathways for their future, is deeply rewarding. Billy’s journey shows that with the right support, an apprenticeship and qualification are absolutely achievable.”

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